Category Archives: Probate Court Guardian Ad Litem Project

Last Call! Probate Court Guardian ad Litem Project

Training has been scheduled for Feb. 4, 9:30-2 with a lunch break. Here is the ZOOM link: https://law-sc-edu.zoom.us/j/91217242783?pwd=bTIrL0hzSU5xL20vN3IvbXduU3cvQT09

Make sure you notify the Pro Bono Program of your interest so they can send you the application, etc. In addition you need to drop by the office prior to the to pick up a training manual.  An actual manual may be old school but it also serves as a great reference tool.

For more information about this Project ( all virtual right now) check out this link.

Right now we are serving as the guardian ad litem in guardianship and conservatorship transfer cases. Investigations are done by phone and Zoom. Hearings held virtually as well. The Richland County Probate Ct. relies on how help with these cases as we are assisting only those who cannot afford to pay a 3rd party to be the guardian ad litem. Cases involve adults with a range of issues- schizophrenia, dementia, autism, etc. Great chance to hone those interviewing skills and transferring your investigation skills and information to a report. This report is important and necessary part of the file for the Court when making a decision.

News, updates and requests!

I recently posted this on TWEN but realized that many of you have not joined us on that platform ( sigh) but not to worry, here is the information

Here are a few updates and items of interest from the Pro Bono Program
1. Buttons!  Yes, we now have reminder buttons for all volunteers to help them to remember to enter their volunteer hours into M.Y. Pro Bono: Managing Your Pro Bono. It takes less than 10 seconds and is a great habit to prepare you for those billable hour reports ( Yikes ) More information here: https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/law/internal/department/pro_bono/my_pro_bono.php
Come by the office to pick up your button!  It’s a good look!
2. Looking for just a few special volunteers from all three classes! We will form a team of super stars to create a legal information flyer for the 5th Circuit Public Defender’s office.   Time is flexible.
3. Are you just overwhelmed with school, work, life?  But still want to help the Pro Bono Program? It may not seem like much but helping us put up posters about Daniel’s Law or the Responsible Fathers Registry is simple but important.  Getting the information out about these two issues is key and a constant need.  Come by and get a packet of ready to put up posters and post as you drive around the state. Not to worry there are suggestions and information. Good for male and female students
4. 2L and 3L’s There is still room at the Friday Blitzes for this semester.  Once a month from 2:30-5 at the SC Bar Building.  A chance to work along side an attorney as you respond to questions posted by the public to an online forum.  Entertaining and a learning experience for all of us. Sign up and details here:
Any Alumni on this list? We would love to see YOU at the Friday Blitz!
5. HELP!  Not the Beatles song but the twice a month Homeless Legal Clinic.  ANY law student can conduct the intake interview.  The HELP Clinic is held the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month from 8:30-10 at Transitions. A great way to interact with attorneys! Sign up here: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090a4babad2eabfe3-project
6. Last reminder! Still adding names to a list of new volunteers willing to serve as guardians ad litem in Probate Court. Once we have a list of 10-12 volunteers sign-up, a convenient training schedule will be set up! Typically this involves 4 two-hour sessions in the evening.  Once trained you will be paired with an experienced volunteer. The team will be appointed by the Probate Judge, review the file, conduct an interview of the proposed guardian and the alleged incapacitated person and file a report with the Court. Whew! Sounds like a lot but in reality each case is fascinating and do not take long. Big on experience and low on time commitment!
Have questions? want more information?  Check the web and contact the Office now
That’s all folks!
Pam Robinson. Robinspd@law.sc.edu 

New Probate Ct. Guardians ad Litem

A new team of law student volunteers have been trained and soon will be joining an already active team serving as guardians ad litem in Richland County Probate Court guardianship and conservatorship cases.  They will investigate, interview, advocate and recommend rights to be retained for alleged incapacitated persons.  The old program, Probate Ct. Special Visitors was replaced by the Probate Court GAL Project when the law changed on Jan. 1, 2019

Congratulations to: Will Anderson, Thomas Brown, Clare Kelly, Emily Lary, Johnna Menke, Zach Ohanesian, Konnor Owen,Christina Perry, Melanie Rice, Renique Robinson, Carlee Taber, and Mackenzie Thomas